POLICE BEAT

Hampden man warned not to drive later charged with OUI

BANGOR, Maine — Officer Wade Betters was on patrol near the Ramada Inn early Sunday morning, just after the bars closed, when he spoke to a man who looked drunk, warning him not to drive.

Thomas Tracey, 44, of Hampden appeared to take Betters’ advice — thanking the officer for treating him so nicely, locking the vehicle and walking away. But 10 minutes later Betters saw him driving away, Bangor police Sgt. Paul Edwards said Monday.

Tracey, who has two prior convictions for operating under the influence of alcohol, was charged with felony OUI, as well as operating without a license. He was taken to the Penobscot County Jail.

If convicted on the felony charge, Tracey faces a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.